We've all seen breathtaking videos of people soaring through the sky wearing wingsuits. But what exactly is wingsuit flying? In short, wingsuit flying involves two main types: powered wingsuit flying and unpowered wingsuit flying.

The most popular form is unpowered wingsuit flying, which is also known internationally as "squirrel suit gliding."

In this sport, athletes wear a specialized suit that has wings attached to the arms and legs. They jump from high places like planes, hot air balloons, cliffs, or skyscrapers and glide through the air using body movements to control their flight direction.

When they reach a safe altitude, they deploy their parachutes for a smooth landing. Sounds incredible, doesn't it?

How Difficult is Wingsuit Flying?

Wingsuit flying is no easy feat, that's for sure. For low-altitude wingsuit flying, the challenge is even more intense. The flyers have limited time and altitude to adjust their posture and deploy their parachutes. This makes the sport incredibly dangerous and difficult. By 2012, fewer than 600 people had dared to try this extreme sport globally. That's why wingsuit flying is widely considered one of the most extreme and dangerous activities in the world of extreme sports. It's definitely the ultimate thrill-seeker's dream.

Before jumping into wingsuit flying, athletes need to have completed over 200 skydiving jumps (according to the US Parachute Association's regulations). And for beginners, it's almost impossible to start without any parachuting experience. Typically, new wingsuit flyers need to first learn skydiving, then progress to high-altitude wingsuit flying, which involves jumping from an airplane at a higher altitude where there are fewer obstacles and less risk. After accumulating at least 500 jumps, they can begin low-altitude wingsuit flying. It's no surprise that wingsuit flyers are rare. Imagine leaping from such heights—it sounds terrifying!

How Dangerous is Wingsuit Flying?

Wingsuit flying is not only thrilling but also highly dangerous. The real challenge lies in controlling the body in mid-air with no propulsion, relying only on the wingsuit. At times, the flyers are barely above cliffs or canyons, so every maneuver counts.

In the early days of wingsuit flying, the fatality rate was as high as 30%. That's because one mistake in this sport can lead to irreversible consequences. Unlike other sports where there may be a safety net or chance to recover from errors, wingsuit flying leaves little room for mistakes. This has led to wingsuit flying being considered one of the most difficult and high-risk extreme sports.

The Extreme Nature of Wingsuit Flying

As we've learned, wingsuit flying is not for the faint of heart. The sport demands both physical strength and mental preparation. Athletes must have precise control over their flight path, carefully managing their speed and altitude to avoid hitting obstacles. The high risk involved has earned wingsuit flying a reputation for being the ultimate extreme sport—one that many would hesitate to try, no matter how appealing it may seem from the outside.

For the most part, wingsuit flying isn't something we can just jump into without a lot of preparation. Those who have taken up this sport have spent years practicing skydiving, building their skills, and understanding how to deal with the pressures of such a high-stakes environment. Despite the risks, the reward for these brave souls is an incredible experience of free-fall and flight that few others will ever know.

Final Thoughts: Is Wingsuit Flying Worth the Risk?

Now that we've explored what wingsuit flying is and how risky it can be, it's clear that it's not a sport for everyone. The challenges and dangers involved are extreme, and we highly recommend not attempting it unless you've had proper training and experience. While the idea of soaring through the sky like a bird sounds exhilarating, the reality is that wingsuit flying requires dedication, skill, and a lot of practice.

Lykkers, after reading this, do you still dream of flying through the air in a wingsuit, or does the danger make you rethink it? Whatever your thoughts, it's always good to understand the risks before taking the plunge into any extreme sport. Stay safe, and maybe enjoy watching from the comfort of your home for now!